1 The Royal Liberty School Where boys are ambitious, where boys succeed MANAGING ATTENDANCE POLICY Reviewed by: Finance and Personnel Committee Review Date: June 2015 Next Review: June 2016
2 CONTENTS PAGE 1. Policy Statement 3 2. Scope 3 3. Roles & Responsibilities 4 3.1 Governing Body 4 3.2 Head Teachers / Line Managers 4 3.3 Education HR 6 3.4 Occupational Health 6 3.5 Employees 6 4. Legislation 9 5. Assessment of Risk 9 6. Definition of Terms 9 7. Process 12 & 13 7.1 Short term / Frequent Absence Flowchart 12 7.2 Long Term Sickness Absence Flowchart 13
3 1. Policy Statement It is the schools policy to balance maximum service delivery, the equitable treatment of all employees and payroll costs through the effective management of sickness absence, whilst at all times acting as a fair and reasonable employer. The school fully and positively accepts its obligation to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees, and effective sickness absence management is viewed in this context. This policy and process provides Headteachers and Line Managers with a structured framework which will enable them to promote a culture of attendance within the school and provide the tools to manage the difficult and sensitive area of employee sickness absence. The school has a number of policies and initiatives to promote health, safety and welfare at work which should also be referred to when applying this process. The school will investigate and consider positive solutions to attendance problems when appropriate. Affected employees will be given the opportunity to put forward any possible solutions for consideration. 2. Scope 2.1. This policy and process has been devised to outline how frequent and long-term sickness absence is managed in schools and to provide a fair, consistent and sensitive framework which will enable Chair of Governors/Head Teachers/Line Managers to adopt a positive approach. At the same time, it will ensure that employees continue to enjoy their employment rights and entitlements and that they are properly supported throughout the process by adhering to employment, equalities and education legislations. 2.2. This policy will apply to all permanent employees and employees on fixed term or temporary contract, including the Head Teacher and those employees employed directly to work at the school and where the school has a responsibility for their recruitment and dismissal. The only exceptions are those employees who are within their probationary period. Probationary employee s contract will be reviewed in the light of their attendance record in addition to their performance and conduct. 2.3. The majority of sickness absence is genuine and will need to be dealt with sympathetically but any abuse of the sick pay scheme including failure to follow sickness reporting process and unauthorised absence should be dealt with in accordance with the school s disciplinary procedures 2.4. In certain circumstances it will be appropriate that some or part of the process are not fully implemented i.e. some stages of the process may be protracted or skipped; additional meetings may be held if agreed by all parties that it is appropriate. It is important that fair and consistent treatment is applied to all employees. 2.5. Guideline letters have been included in the letters/forms folder/file. It is expected that the suggested format should be used, however, your HR service provider can advise on any necessary amendments required to allow for individual circumstances. 2.6. Headteachers and line managers are required to ensure that their application of this policy and process does not impact unfairly on employees with reference to any of the protected characteristics (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation). In particular, Headteachers / Line Managers should be alert to the possibility that sickness absence may amount to a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Where this is a possibility particular care should be taken to seek specialist advice e.g. from Occupational Health
4 and your Human Resources services provider to consider any reasonable adjustments, as appropriate. 2.7. Where reference is made to Conditions of Service the documentation referred to is: Conditions of Service for School Teachers in England and Wales [August 2000] Known as the Burgundy Book National Agreement on Pay and Conditions of Service. Known as the Green Book. **************Any revision to the regulations will supersede this policy***************** 3. Roles & Responsibilities It is essential to have a clear, consistent and fair process for managing attendance issues that cause concern. In order to have in place a set of such process, it is recognised that all parties involved in the attendance of staff have a responsibility to ensure that this process is carried out according to the schools policy and in line with legal requirements. These roles and responsibilities are as follows: 3.1 Governing Body 3.1.1 The Governing Body must ensure that the school adopts an appropriate attendance and sickness management policy. 3.1.2 If an employee s attendance record due to sickness should continue to prove unsatisfactory and where the Head Teacher does not have delegated authority to dismiss, the Chair of Governors will arrange a capability meeting. The capability meeting will be held before a sub-committee comprising 3 members of the school s Governing Body. 3.1.3 In the case of a Head Teachers sickness absence the Chair of Governors will have the same role and responsibility as details in 3.2 below. 3.1.4 Appeals against Capability [Ill Health] dismissals will be heard by a Governing Body Appeal Panel. 3.1.5 A Governing Body may, in exceptional circumstances and/or where there is an urgent need in the light of available medical evidence, suspend an employee from duty 3.2 Head Teachers / Line Managers 3.2.1 Head Teachers/Line Managers should seek advice and support from their schools HR service provider as required 3.2.2 Head Teacher/Line Manager should undertake their own monitoring of sickness absence and identify when triggers have been hit. 3.2.3 When an employee reports their non-attendance due to sickness and the absence appears to be for a period of time, the Headteacher/Line Manager should agree an
5 appropriate timeframe for regular contact throughout the absence. This will be in order to ask about progress and to keep the employee informed of news regarding the workplace. 3.2.5 When an employee returns from any period of sickness absence, the Head Teacher/Line Manager will conduct a return to work interview. 3.2.6 When a sickness trigger level is reached the Head Teacher/Line Manager will write to the employee to notify them that the trigger has been met and to outline the proposed action i.e. referral to occupational health, sickness review meeting etc. In cases of referral to occupational health the information contained in the referral form will be shared with the employee being referred. 3.2.7 The Head Teacher/Line Manager will request consent from the employee before a medical consultation/examination and/or report is provided and to allow Occupational Health to approach the employee s GP/medical advisers for medical information pertinent to the individual s situation. Employees have the right to withhold consent in such circumstances. 3.2.8 Where an individual refuses to give consent or cause unreasonable delay in giving consent for medical information to be sought / divulged the Head Teacher/Line Manager reserves the right to make any future decisions based on the available information. 3.2.9 The Head Teacher/Line Manager will write to the employee giving them 5 working days notice of a sickness review meeting. 3.2.10 The Head Teacher/Line Manager will keep notes of all meetings and will communicate and confirm agreed actions covered by this process in writing to the employee. 3.2.11 Head Teachers/Line Managers should, where necessary and where requested by Occupational Health carry out Risk Assessments for staff returning to work after a period of sickness absence. 3.2.12 Head Teachers/Line Managers have an essential duty to give due consideration to the possibility of making reasonable adjustments i.e. allowing time off; phased return after illness; light duties for a short time etc. 3.2.13 If an employee s attendance record should continue to prove unsatisfactory then the Head Teacher with delegated authority from the School s Governing Body, may decide to terminate the contract at a Capability Hearing [ill health]. 3.2.14 Where a Capability hearing [Ill Health] is to be arranged the Head Teacher/Line Manager will write to the employee at least 10 working days before the hearing. 3.2.15 Capability hearing [Ill Health] will be Chaired by the Head Teacher [if delegated authority] or by a Sub Committee of the Governing Body 3.2.16 Alcohol and drug abuse related illnesses - If a Headteacher / Line Manager suspects or is made aware that an employee is experiencing problems associated with alcohol or drugs;
6 Headteachers/ Line Managers should refer to the Alcohol and Drug Policy alongside the Sickness Policy. 3.3 Education HR 3.3.1 Where required by the school, a representative from Education HR will provide support to the Head Teacher/Line Manager at sickness absence meetings, including capability hearings. 3.4 Occupational Health 3.4.1 The Occupational Health provider operates a triage service [a clinical assessment and allocation process, carried out prior to consultation]. It employs occupational health advisers and has available the services of health physicians and support facilities. 3.4.2 The Occupational Health Service provides an employer service on occupational health matters to the LA and schools and their Governing Bodies. The service is concerned with medical rather than welfare matters. Employees may request a referral to the Occupational Health Unit via their Head Teacher/Line Manager if they have concerns about their health. 3.4.3 The medical service provided has an occupational focus and the Occupational Health provider endeavours to identify and assist with problems at work which may affect health and/or cause absence and aims to provide a high quality of advice to employees, schools and Governing Bodies on health and medical problems that arise in the work place. 3.4.4 Consent: Consent will be required from the employee before a medical consultation/examination and/or report is provided and to allow Occupational Health to approach the employee s GP/medical advisers for medical information pertinent to the individual s situation. 3.5 Employees 3.5.1 All employees have a duty to notify their Head Teacher/Line Manager if they are unable to attend work due to sickness absence as soon as possible on the first day of sickness absence, at the latest within one hour of the normal starting time or in accordance with the prevailing school policy. The employee should indicate the nature of the illness, how long s/he is likely to be absent (if known), and whether s/he intends to consult a GP. Employees should telephone personally, other than in exceptional circumstances when a relative or friend may call on their behalf. 3.5.2 Unless it is clear on the second calendar day of absence that the employee is returning, s/he must contact the Head Teacher or designated contact person in school every day, unless otherwise agreed with the school or in line with the prevailing school policy. 3.5.3 All employees must notify their Head Teacher/Line Manager if the absence is due to injury caused by a third party.
3.5.4 Employees who are unable to attend work due to sickness should maintain regular contact with their Head Teacher/Line Manager or in the case of the Head Teacher s absence the Chair of Governors. The timeframe for contact should be agreed once it is known the absence is likely to continue for some time. 3.5.5 All employees must abide by the sick pay scheme rules 7 3.5.6 If an employee is absent for up to 7 calendar days, on returning to work he/she can selfcertify. They must complete a self-certificate and attend a return to work meeting. 3.5.7 If a sickness absence continues for 8 calendar days or more, including a weekend and/or bank holidays, an employee will be required to provide a fit note to cover any continuing period of absence due to sickness irrespective of the length of time involved 3.5.8 If an employee falls sick during a holiday period they will be expected to submit fit notes in accordance with 3.5.7 and 3.5.8 above as if the days of closure were school days. If during a period of school closure an employee falls ill it shall be their duty to notify the school of this by contacting either the school or Education HR, 9th Floor, Mercury House, Mercury Gardens, Romford. During closure periods employees can contact the school or the schools HR service provider and provide evidence of fitness to work if this occurs during a closure period. 3.5.9 Sickness During Working Hours - If an employee becomes sick and leaves work before completing half of their contracted hours for that day, they will be recorded as being sick for half a day. If they work more than half of the day, then they will be treated as if at work for the full day and sick leave will not be deemed to start. 3.5.10 Unauthorized Absence Failure to comply with the sickness reporting process is likely to lead to the absence from work being considered unauthorised resulting in potential loss of pay, and in some cases, potential disciplinary action. 3.5.11 Following a long period of sickness absence or following a contagious illness the employee should provide a fit note certificate indicating that they are fit to work. 3.5.12 All employees who have been absent due to sickness must attend a return to work interview with their Line Manager/Head Teacher. 3.5.13 Employees must attend an appointment with Occupational Health Service if required. Failure to attend an Occupational Health Service appointment for no legitimate reasons, the Headteacher / Line Manager may take one of the following options:- As the employee is in breach of the sick pay scheme, to pay statutory sick pay only, until the conditions of the scheme are met. To proceed and make a decision in accordance with the absence process on the basis of the information already received,
3.5.14 Failure to comply with the certification process may result in loss of sick pay. 8 3.5.15 For levels of sick pay entitlements, please refer the relevant conditions of service document. 3.5.16 All employees who reach one or more of the sickness absence triggers may be required to attend a review meeting depending on individual circumstances: 6 days or more in a 6 month rolling period. 8 days absences or more in a 12 month rolling period Where there appears to be a pattern or type of absences which causes concern, for example where there is a pattern of absence on either side of the weekend, or on days where there are particular shifts or peak workloads. Long-term sickness is for a continuous period of time of usually 4 weeks or 20 working days. This needs to be pro-rated for part-time staff 3.5.17 Employees who are required to attend a sickness review meeting must make every effort to attend. If the employee is too ill to attend, the employee can nominate their representative/work colleague to attend on their behalf. 3.5.18 where sickness absence levels remain a cause for concern and following a first review and monitoring period employees may be required to attend a second review meeting. 3.5.19 Following a second review and monitoring period and where sickness absence levels remain a cause for concern an employee may be required to attend a capability hearing. 3.5.20 Where attendance improves employees will be advised that the formal sickness process has ended. If further occasions of sickness absence occur within 12 months of the end of the last review meeting the process will commence from the same stage as the last review. 3.5.21 Where an employee is dismissed following a capability hearing and are dissatisfied with the decision they will have a right to appeal. Appeals should be submit in writing to the Chair of Governors of the School within 10 working days of receipt of the decision. 3.5.22 Telephone based confidential counselling services may be available through the school s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider, and employees should speak to their Headteacher/Line Manager for details. The Leaflet should be made available to all staff. This could either be on notice boards, staff room shared drive etc.
4. Legislation 4.1 The Equality Act 2010 The Equality Act came into force on 1 October 2010 and has brought together many previous equality related legislation into one act. It identifies 9 Protected Characteristics and the Act provides protection from unlawful discrimination in respect of these characteristics. The Characteristics are: Age Disability Gender reassignment Marriage and civil partnership Pregnancy and maternity Race Religion or belief Sex Sexual orientation 4.2 Health and Safety at Work Act 4.3 Data Protection Act 1998 4.4 Access to Medical Records 9 5. Assessment of Risk Please see the Equality Impact Assessment 6. Definition of Terms The key terms used throughout this policy and management tool kit are considered to be and are defined as follows: 6.1.1 Absence The inability to attend work for any reason other than sickness absence 6.1.2 Sickness Absence The inability to attend work due to incapacity through illness or injury 6.1.3 Occupational Health Department The medically qualified body under contract to the school to report on sickness absence 6.1.4 Self Certificate of sickness absence A self-completed certificate covering up to 7 days absence due to sickness. 6.1.5 Doctors Fit Note The fit note is issued by a G.P./Doctor to an employee as evidence of whether or not s/he is able to go to work. It replaces the sick note from 6 April 2010.
6.1.6 Back/Return to Work Interviews An interview carried out by the Head Teacher/Line Manager for all staff returning from a period of sickness absence 10 6.1.6 Risk Assessment (Stress/Workplace/DSE) Risk assessments are often recommended by occupational health and are carried out by the Head Teacher/Line Manager on staff returning from long term sickness absence, or following either surgery or injury. 6.1.7 Sickness Absence Report (SIMS) A report taken from the collected sickness records held by the schools administration department. 6.1.8 Sickness Triggers Sickness Triggers are a number of days/occasions of absence where the level of absence is considered to be unsatisfactory. 6.1.9 Adjustments to the job Where medical advice or a discernible risk has been identified, temporary and reasonable adjustments to the job should be considered. 6.1.10 Short Term Sickness Absence These are periods of short term frequent absence and irregular odd days, whether certified or not. 6.1.11 Long Term Sickness Absence This is a period of sickness absence lasting for more than 20 consecutive working days. 6.1.12 Sickness Review Meetings A meeting to discuss with the employee the reasons for the sickness absence/s. 6.1.13 Phased Return To Work In some cases, a phased return to work for someone returning from long-term absence will be appropriate. This recommendation will usually come from Occupational Health. This may mean a structured return to work over a number of weeks, working reduced hours or carrying out fewer/different tasks, gradually building up to normal contractual arrangements. This should usually take no more than 4 weeks but a shorter or longer phased return may be appropriate depending on the individual case and progress needs to be reviewed weekly. The employee will normally receive full pay during a phased return to work programme provided they attend work each day. If they have to take full day off during the phased return period this will be recorded as sick and they receive sick pay. At the end of the phasing back period, the line manager should meet with the employee to establish whether
11 they are able to undertake full duties. If necessary the line manager will take further advice from Occupational Health in liaison with Schools HR. 6.1.14 Retirement On The Grounds Of Ill Health Where an employee is suffering from chronic or acute illness which may render them permanently unfit to carry out their duties efficiently, ill health retirement may be considered prior to convening a formal meeting to consider dismissal on absence grounds. Ill health retirement involves the termination of the employee s employment by resignation or by mutual agreement
7. Process 7.1 Short term / Frequent Absence Flowchart SICKNESS TRIGGERS 12 The below process will be followed where the sickness triggers are met, however, this is subject to management discretion depending on individual circumstances of cases. There is a right to representation by trade union or work colleague at all stages STAGE 1 sickness review STAGE 2 sickness review STAGE 3 sickness review STAGE 4 sickness 1 st NOTICE OF CAUSE FOR CONCERN ISSUED 2 nd NOTICE OF CAUSE FOR CONCERN ISSUED CAPABILITY HEARING APPEAL HEARING Potential Outcomes at Stage 1 a) Review sickness and set target b) Set review date and monitoring period (normally 6 months) to discuss target c) If target not met or on-going concern then stage 2 review Potential Outcomes at Stage 2 a) Target met or attendance improved formal process closed; or b) Review targets & OH recommendation if appropriate C) If target not met or on-going concern then Potential Outcomes at Stage 3 a) Decide to dismiss on grounds of unsatisfactory attendance; or b) To keep the job open until employee recovers or under review/redeployment c) Any other decision appropriate based on individual case Potential Outcomes at Stage 4 a) Decision of the capability hearing panel upheld; or b) Appeal upheld and decision overturned Stage 1 - Details This discussion will be held with you by the manager, head teacher or appropriate member of SLT in order:- a) Verify absence record; b) Discuss health concerns and how these are being addressed c) Discuss Occupational Health report and any recommendations. d) Discuss impact on the school functions e) Set review date and monitoring period to discuss target Stage 2 Details The discussion will continue with the employee by the manager, head teacher or appropriate member of SLT in order to:- a) Verify absence record b) Discuss health issues / review medical advice c) Explore / review support provided d) Set a review date to discuss target for improved attendance e) Issue second notice of concern in confirming outcome Stage 3 Details a) Heard by a capability panel of three governors b) Head teacher to present management case c) Employee or TU representative to present their case d) If panel s decides to dismiss, employee has the right of appeal against the decision and paid notice in line with terms and conditions of employment. Stage 4 Details You will be notified of your right to appeal any formal sanction, as decided at the capability hearing. If you intend to appeal you must do so, in writing to the Chair of Governors, within 5 working days of receiving the outcome. Appeals will be heard by a panel of governors who have had no prior involvement in the case, the appeal hearing will ideally be held within 20 working days of you submitting your appeal. Page 12 of 13 The appeal decision is final.
13 7.2 Long Term Sickness Absence Flowchart SICKNESS TRIGGERS The below process will be followed where the sickness triggers are hit, however, this is subject to management discretion depending on individual circumstances. There is a right to representation by trade union or work colleague at all stages STAGE 1 sickness review STAGE 2 sickness review STAGE 3 sickness review STAGE 4 sickness 1 st NOTICE OF CAUSE FOR CONCERN ISSUED 2 nd NOTICE OF CAUSE FOR CONCERN ISSUED CAPABILITY HEARING APPEAL HEARING Potential Outcomes at Stage 1 a) Return with reasonable adjustments (if appropriate) or no further action b) Set review date (as necessary) to discuss phased return if return is imminent; C) If return not imminent (on-going concern) then stage 2 review Potential Outcomes at Stage 2 a) Return with reasonable adjustment (if appropriate) or no further action b) Set review date to discuss phased return if return imminent; c) If return not imminent (on-going concern) then capability Potential Outcomes at Stage 3 a) Decide to dismiss on grounds of capability due to ill-health; or b) Medical Redeployment if recommended by OH and/or feasible for school: or c) Any other decision appropriate based on individual case Potential Outcomes at Stage 4 a) Decision of the Capability Hearing Upheld; or Page 13 of 13 b) Appeal upheld and decision overturned Stage 1 - Details This discussion will be held with you by the manager, head teacher or appropriate member of the SLT in order to:- f) Verify absence record; g) Explore underlying causes and any support needed or received from Occupational Health h) Discuss targets and the monitoring period i) Discuss impact on the school functions j) Set review date to discuss phased return if return imminent Stage 2 Details The discussion will continue with the employee by the manager, head teacher or appropriate member of the SLT in order to:- f) Verify absence record g) Discuss health issues / review medical advice/attendance since first review h) Explore / review support provided i) Set a review date to discuss phased return if return imminent Stage 3 Details e) Heard by a capability panel of three governors f) Head teacher to present management case g) Employee or TU representative to present their case h) Medical redeployment to be considered if recommended by OH and/or feasible for school i) If panel decides to dismiss, employee has the right of appeal against the decision and paid notice in line with terms and conditions of employment. Stage 4 Details You will be notified of your right to appeal any formal sanction, as decided at the capability hearing. If you intend to appeal you must do so, in writing to the Chair of Governors, within 5 working days of receiving the outcome. Appeals will be heard by a panel of governors who have had no prior involvement in the case, the appeal hearing will ideally be held within 20 working days of you submitting your appeal. The appeal decision is final.